 Friday, August 1, 2025
Second measles case confirmed in Jefferson County: What you need to know
 Mayor Greenberg announced this week that a second measles case has been confirmed in Jefferson County. According to Dr. Kris Bryant, pediatric infectious disease specialist and associate medical director for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, the second case is a known contact of the first and has been in quarantine since their exposure.
Health officials report that there are no new public exposures associated with this second case, and importantly, neither case is related to the recent measles outbreak in Woodford and Fayette Counties. Until these recent events, Jefferson County had not reported a measles case since 2011.
So far in 2025, The Kentucky Department for Public Health has reported 14 confirmed measles cases in Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Todd and Woodford counties. Thirteen of those infected were unvaccinated, and one had received only a single dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
While measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, outbreaks can and do still occur from unvaccinated travelers or individual. Measles is one of the most contagious diseases, and it can quickly spread among those who are unvaccinated.
Protect yourself and your family
The good news is that the MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection. Children should receive two doses: the first at 12–15 months and the second between ages 4–6.
“Vaccines offer the best protection against dangerous diseases,” said Dr. Bryant. “They are among the most-tested and safest medical products available.”
If you aren’t sure if you’ve been vaccinated against measles, there are several things you can do:
- Ask for your immunization records from the state where you were born. In Kentucky, you can access the Kentucky Immunizations Records portal.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about a blood test to measure the level of antibodies in your blood (also known as titers.)
Back-to-school reminder: Stay up to date on vaccines
As we are about to head back to school, it’s a good time to make sure your children are up to date on not just their MMR vaccine, but on all those routine childhood vaccines.
“When we immunize children, it’s a lot like helping them learn to read. Vaccines are beginner texts that our immune systems use to practice comprehending a disease,” Dr. Bryant said. “With that literacy, they can read a disease more quickly when they encounter it—and respond and resist right away.”
To schedule a vaccine appointment, contact your child’s healthcare provider. The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness provides vaccines for adults and children throughout the year. Call 502-574-5380 to schedule an appointment.
Your questions answered: Learn more about WIC
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WIC – What is it? WIC stands for women, infants, and children. Our WIC program is a grant-funded program that provides supplemental foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to healthcare and social services for income eligible families
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Who is eligible? Our program is for pregnant and post-partum women and children up to the age of 5. An person or household at or below 185% of the poverty level qualifies for the WIC program. Some people who have Medicaid health insurance will qualify regardless of income status.
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How many women, infants, children do we serve on average each year? Our program has served over 16,500 participants across our four clinics.
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What does the nutrition consist of? Infants can receive formula, baby foods, and cash value for fruits and vegetables. Participants aged two and up receive low fat dairy, whole grain products, cash value for fruits and vegetables, and a protein option like beans or peanut butter.
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Where can people find WIC-approved foods? Participants can use their WIC cards at Kroger, Walmart, Meijer, Save-a-Lot, and a few smaller state-approved vendors.
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Who do families meet with at their WIC appointments? Nutrition educators and dietitians work with individuals and families participating in our WIC program. They provide education and information about the basics of nutrition. They provide families with the tools and knowledge they need to eat healthily before during and after pregnancy. Our group of trained team members can also identify possible delays in child development, undercover additional needs outside our scope of practice, and make necessary referrals to outside programs.
Enrollment for LIHEAP Summer Subsidy has kicked off
Mayor Greenberg has announced the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Summer Subsidy to help Kentucky households offset summer cooling costs. Enrollment started July 28, and runs until Sept. 12, or until designated funds are depleted, on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The subsidy provides households with incomes up to 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. It's a one-time benefit ranging from $41 to $250 depending on income levels and housing category. Benefits are paid directly to the household’s electrical vendor.
Jefferson County residents wishing to apply can schedule by phone by calling (502) 991-8391 or by using the Office of Social Services Appointment Scheduler. The toll-free service is currently open and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
All applicants will be required to supply the following documentation at the time of application:
- Proof of Social Security number or Permanent Residence card (Green Card) for each member of the household.
- Proof of income from the preceding month for all members of the household.
- Most current electric bill, statement from your landlord, if electricity is included in your rent, statement from your utility company if you participate in a Pre-Pay Electric Program.
- The account number and name on the account for the main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
This summer subsidy does not require a disconnect notice or past due bill. The benefit can be applied as a credit to your account. Assistance received during previous LIHEAP components does not affect a household's eligibility.
For more descriptions about LIHEAP income eligibility and other instructions, you can visit the website. Residents may also call the automated LIHEAP information line at (502) 991-8391 or visit LIHEAP webpage.
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